Radiator Changing

[slimgoodie_5]

Ok i been looking at this for a few days and trying to find the correct way to change your radiator and i am seeing like 100 ways to do it. i see some post are from 2008 and older. i know alot of things has changed but what is the up to date thing to do? Should i used coolant with 50/50 or dilute some coolant???? do i need to lift up the front of the car??? i am reading all kinds of stuff. should i take the fans off 1st of after i remove the radiator. please help me.


2000 Camry CE, 4 cyl

[LittleWhiteBubble]

You've got a 2000 model so I can't really help you on removal or install but as for coolant mixture, I live in florida so I only use about 30% max coolant in my mixture. Water dissipates the heat better, and I won't ever have to worry about it freezing down here. That's enough coolant to lubricate the water pump, so if you don't have to worry about freezing temps, I'd lean out your mixture.

And I would change the thermostat at the same time, since you're right there you might as well. And as for my 92, I left the fans on, it was simple to remove with them still installed.

[slimgoodie_5]

Yes i am planning on changing my t-stat also. not 100% sure bout the hoses them seem to be in good shape still.

[LittleWhiteBubble]

If you can squeeze the hose and they don't crack, and they don't have any bulges then they should be fine. I change mine out when they start to get "crunchy"

[slimgoodie_5]

ok kool well they dont crack or anything. they seem good to me

[Rattlin_Steele]

Originally Posted by slimgoodie_5

do i need to lift up the front of the car??? i am reading all kinds of stuff. should i take the fans off 1st of after i remove the radiator. please help me.

2000 Camry CE, 4 cyl

The only reason to lift the car is if you want to remove the engine "undercover" (metal splash plate) to give better access (from underneath) to the radiator drain plug and to the transmission line hoses where they connect to the radiator. IMO, the job is a lot less messy doing it this way since you can capture the coolant without it hitting the splash plate and it's easier to disconnect the transmission hoses from the radiator itself (as opposed to removing the hoses at the transmission). Once they're off, bend them upward and tie off to something with a zip tie.

Definitely easier to remove and swap fans once the radiator is out.

[JohnGD]

No need to lift the car. If you have never done this before, take off the fans first. It'll give you better visibility to disconnect ATF cooler lines and the lower radiator hose.

Use 50%-50% mix of concentrated coolant and distilled water. There are premixed coolant out there. But I recommend that you get Toyota Red and mix your own. Valvoline Asian Vehicle formula and Peak Global (find at your local NAPA) are acceptable alternatives.

The radiator cap should be replaced. I'd change out both radiator hoses as well.

Originally Posted by slimgoodie_5

Ok i been looking at this for a few days and trying to find the correct way to change your radiator and i am seeing like 100 ways to do it. i see some post are from 2008 and older. i know alot of things has changed but what is the up to date thing to do? Should i used coolant with 50/50 or dilute some coolant???? do i need to lift up the front of the car??? i am reading all kinds of stuff. should i take the fans off 1st of after i remove the radiator. please help me.


2000 Camry CE, 4 cyl